Football 8/21/2024 11:08:20 AM 2024 Tennessee Tech Preview • Preseason Releases: Team Poll, Offensive Player Watch List, Defensive Player Watch List | Media Day Recap The countdown to the start of the 2024 season will include a look at all nine Big South-OVC Football Association teams with content from the Football Media Day event. Tennessee Tech begins its first year under head coach Bobby Wilder. The Golden Eagles were picked seventh in the preseason poll and open the season agianst longtime rival Middle Tennessee. With the hiring of Wilder, formerly at Old Dominion, and a nearly complete overhaul of the coaching staff, there are a lot of new faces. That extends to the roster as the team has 56 returning players and 57 newcomers. Among the returning players is defensive back Tim Coutras, who has been named a Preseason All-American by Stats Perform. He had a breakout season a year ago when he was third onthe team in total tackles with 55 total – 24 solo and 31 assisted – while also collecting 4.5 for-loss for 12 yards. He also led the team in interceptions with four for 56 yards with two pass breakups and a forced fumble. Also back on defense is linebacker Aaron Swafford (72 tckles, 7 TFL, 3 sacks) and defensive lineman Daniel Rickert (49 tackles, 14.5 TFL, 9 sacks). BELOW VIDEOS Head Coach Bobby Wilder 1-on-1 with Bob Belvin OL Nate Hodnett DL Daniel Rickert